Press & Articles

Sentiment remained strong in July, as the theme of disinflation coupled with a soft landing made a comeback. Spreads on EUR IG corporates were c15 bps tighter on the month to 147 bps. EUR IG corporate total returns were positive on the month (1.05%) as tighter spreads were partially offset by higher rates.

Sentiment was strong in July. The theme of disinflation coupled with a soft landing made a comeback during the month. This was partially linked to the lower-than-expected inflation prints that we saw within the US and the UK. This meant that we saw spreads in general tighten, and more so within subordinated financial debt, to the benefit of securities we hold.

Sentiment was strong in July. The theme of disinflation coupled with a soft landing made a comeback during the month. This was partially linked to the lower-than-expected inflation prints that we saw within the US and the UK. This meant that we saw spreads in general tighten, and more so within subordinated financial debt, to the benefit of securities we hold.

Sentiment was strong in July. The theme of disinflation coupled with a soft landing made a comeback during the month. This was partially linked to the lower-than-expected inflation prints that we saw within the US and the UK. This meant that we saw spreads in general tighten, and more so within subordinated financial debt, to the benefit of securities we hold.

Market backdrop sentiment improved in June, particularly over the first half of the month following the US debt ceiling resolution. Spreads on EUR IG corporates were circa 8 bps tighter on the month to 162 bps. Away from the US debt ceiling story, the focus remained on central banks and inflation.

Markets in June were characterised by the higher interest rates for longer theme following a number of macroeconomic data releases. As such, we saw some strong moves upwards in government bond rates, most notably among short-dated rates as seen in the two-year rates moves.

Markets in June were characterised by the higher interest rates for longer theme following a number of macroeconomic data releases. As such, we saw some strong moves upwards in government bond rates, most notably among short-dated rates as seen in the two-year rates moves.

Markets in June were characterised by the higher interest rates for longer theme following a number of macroeconomic data releases. As such, we saw some strong moves upwards in government bond rates, most notably among short-dated rates as seen in the two-year rates moves.

We saw calmer markets in April, following the strong volatility we experienced in March. The direction of markets seems to be largely guided by the upcoming central bank meetings and future macroeconomic data.

We saw calmer markets in April, following the strong volatility we experienced in March. The direction of markets seems to be largely guided by the upcoming central bank meetings and future macroeconomic data.

We saw calmer markets in April, following the strong volatility we experienced in March. The direction of markets seems to be largely guided by the upcoming central bank meetings and future macroeconomic data.

March was all about banks, following the events regarding US regional banks and Crédit Suisse. We believe that these were two very different situations. Moreover, these were two idiosyncratic situations in our view, and we do not believe there should be any read across to European banks and financials.

Sentiment was particularly weak in March driven by fears around the banking sector in Europe and the US. Spreads on EUR investment grade (IG) widened by more than 20 bps to 170 bps after peaking at circa 200 bps during the month. Rates rallied on a combination of more dovish (at least as interpreted by the market) rhetoric from central banks as well as risk-off seen in markets.

After a very strong start to the month, fixed income markets gradually crept lower during the month as rates rose significantly in February, with EUR investment grade (IG) corporates ending the month -1.4% in terms of total return. Sentiment remained resilient nevertheless, as spreads were slightly tighter over the month – by 4 bps to 148bps.

 January was a strong month for risk assets. Spreads on our securities tightened and government bond rates fell during the month, therefore prices on our securities benefitted strongly. All of this was related to the expectations of a softer monetary policy from most major central banks.

January was a strong month for risk assets. Spreads on our securities tightened and government bond rates fell during the month, therefore prices on our securities benefitted strongly. All of this was related to the expectations of a softer monetary policy from most major central banks.

 January was a strong month for risk assets. Spreads on our securities tightened and government bond rates fell during the month, therefore prices on our securities benefitted strongly. All of this was related to the expectations of a softer monetary policy from most major central banks.

 January was a strong month for risk assets. Spreads on our securities tightened and government bond rates fell during the month, therefore prices on our securities benefitted strongly. All of this was related to the expectations of a softer monetary policy from most major central banks.

January was a strong month for risk assets. Spreads on our securities tightened and government bond rates fell during the month, therefore prices on our securities benefitted strongly. All of this was related to the expectations of a softer monetary policy from most major central banks.

 January was a strong month for risk assets. Spreads on our securities tightened and government bond rates fell during the month, therefore prices on our securities benefitted strongly. All of this was related to the expectations of a softer monetary policy from most major central banks.